DOUBLE away wins have steered Bemerton Heath Harlequins into seventh spot in the Sydenhams Premier Division, stretching their unbeaten run to five games.

The boys from Western Way landed on their feet at Victoria Park by collecting three points with a 3-2 victory over Bournemouth Poppies.

For a moment, though, it looked like Algerian international Fawzi Saadi’s scintillating strike, cancelling out Joe Sanger’s early-timed opener, would swing the ascendancy into Poppies’ favour.

But the 14th minute wonder goal carried no extra weight as a Jack Slade header and Graham Mankin’s tap-in either side of the break restored the visitors’ cushion.

Martin Warren halved the deficit midway through the second half but a last ditch push couldn’t snuff out an equaliser for the struggling hosts, who are only seven points clear of basement side Fawley.

“It was very pleasing to get the win against a physical side and build on last week’s win at Whitchurch United,” said boss Ian Chalk.

“We capitalised on our chances and we could have had more. The conditions were the same for both sides but it was honestly the worst pitch we’ve ever set foot on.”

Harlequins’ countdown to the season closure, with 12 games left, continues on Saturday at home to Fareham Town on Saturday (3pm) and Chalk is setting his sights on a top six finish come the end of April.

“The future looks good,” he added.

“We’re in a good position at the moment and I’m happy with the way things are going.”

“This squad is capable of going on a good run and the aim now is to win every game left.” “We’ve got a few young players that we’ve been experimenting with in preparation for next season.

“There’s a fantastic atmosphere inside camp at the moment and I believe we can finish in the top six.”

  • Defender Aaron Cook is back in training following an injury he picked up at the start of the year.